What Are Braces & How Do They Work?

Many braces treatments use colorful rubber bands to secure the metal brackets to the wire. Colored bands are a fun way to personalize your brackets during treatment and a great feature for kids and adults alike.

Your doctor will switch out your rubber bands during your orthodontic visits. This gives you the ability to change your look every month, or stick to your favorite color scheme!

Some ideas for rubber bands include seasonal colors or colors representing your school or favorite sports team. Some offices offer glow-in-the-dark rubber bands!

Metal braces, also called traditional braces, are the most commonly used to correct dental problems and help move the teeth. They have two main components: brackets and wire. An individual bracket is applied to each tooth, and a bendable wire is threaded through each bracket. The brackets put pressure onto the teeth to gradually move them in the desired directions for straightening your teeth.

Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used and the least expensive, but they are also the most noticeable.

Explore the truth about metal braces and dispel common myths in our informative article: '5 Metal Braces Myths You Can Bust Right Now.'

Lingual braces are similar to metal and ceramic braces, with an even less noticeable appliance than ceramic braces. This kind of treatment is nearly invisible. Lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth on the top and bottom. This discreet style is attractive, but lingual braces come with a number of challenges.

Invisalign aligners use removable, clear plastic aligners; one for the top row of teeth and one for the bottom, as needed. Each set is worn for 1-2 weeks, gradually correcting your smile over time. Each set of aligners is made especially for you by your orthodontist.

Although it can be more costly than other types of treatment patients often request Invisalign treatment. It's more subtle, can be removed for proper cleaning, and doesn’t come with food restrictions .

Many patients also find them more comfortable compared to other treatment options. The experience of Invisalign is similar to wearing a retainer . You may even improve your oral hygiene while undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Pain is different for everyone, so not everyone will experience pain during treatment. However, discomfort or pain is a common experience for braces patients of any age. It takes a while for your mouth to get used to the new appliance. The adjustments may cause irritation after your monthly orthodontic visits.

You can take over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or apply ice to the sore area. Most pain subsides away after a few days.

Typically, you can expect to pay between $1,700 and $6,000 for treatment. The costs vary depending on your orthodontic provider, case severity, treatment length, and the region where you live.

Insurance can help cover the costs. Most state insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of metal braces for qualifying children and young adults. It may be harder to find insurance coverage for adults or for treatment with specialty orthodontics like Invisalign aligners.

Your insurance provider and your orthodontist will have more information about using insurance for coverage. Your orthodontic provider may offer cost-saving measures such as monthly payment plans, family discounts, and seasonal savings.

This begins with scheduling a consultation with a local orthodontist. You may get a referral from your dentist, but a referral is not necessary. You can go directly to the orthodontist to see if your teeth can be straightened with braces.

At the orthodontist's office, the doctor will examine your teeth and gums. They may take pictures or x-rays to get a full image of your dental structure. The support team will discuss payment options with you, and then you will be ready to begin treatment.

Patients can begin treatment once most of their adult teeth are grown in, usually by 11 or 12 years old. Young patients between 11-14 can expect more reliable and long-term results. While older patients can take a bit longer because the bones are still growing and are more receptive to orthodontic realignment.

Some orthodontists may recommend orthodontic treatment for patients starting at 8 years of age. Patients of any age can expect excellent results with braces treatment.